MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to step up their interest in Leighton Baines by making a £10 million offer for the Everton defender.

Manchester United manager David Moyes is preparing a £10m bid for former player Leighton Baines

With Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain understood to be ready to entice Patrice Evra to finish his career back in France, David Moyes wants to bring in Baines to take over United’s left-back position.

United’s offer will fall short of Everton’s £15m valuation and the Merseyside club will fight hard to keep Baines, who Moyes brought to Goodison from Wigan for £6m in 2007.

Newly promoted Monaco have targeted France defender Evra, 31, to help them re-establish themselves in the top flight of French football. PSG are also interested and the player is understood to be tempted to return to his home country for family reasons.

Baines is a big fan of his former Everton boss, and could be tempted to join him at Old Trafford

I’m sure he will do a good job at United, he’s a great manager

Leighton Baines

Baines, 28, has often paid tribute to Moyes for helping him to develop into one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and an England player – he won his 17th cap in Brazil on Sunday before limping off injured.

An indication of Baines’ standing in the game is that he has been voted into the PFA’s Premier League select XI for the past two seasons by his fellow professionals. Last season he was the only outfield player to play every minute of every league game.

Baines believes Moyes will do a great job at Old Trafford and has nothing but praise for the Scotsman.

“We were hoping he would stay but we wish him well,” said Baines. “I’m sure he will do a good job at United, he’s a great manager.” Evra joined United for £5m from Monaco in January 2005 and, after a shaky start adjusting to the English game, has been one of their most reliable players, helping them win five Premier League titles.

Moyes' replacement at Everton. Roberto Martinez, has been told he can raid Wigan for his ex-players

Dave Whelan will not prevent Roberto Martinez taking relegated Wigan’s top stars with him to Everton – as long as the price is right. Martinez is expected to be confirmed as Moyes’ successor in the next 24 hours after Wigan chairman Whelan agreed a compensation package with Everton counterpart Bill Kenwright yesterday.

Whelan admitted he cannot expect players such as Arouna Kone, Shaun Maloney, James McCarthy and Callum McManaman to drop from the top flight.

Whelan said: “There is no agreement for Roberto not to sign our players. It is unfair. If Everton want to sign any of our players for the right amount of money, we will consider it.”